Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

Vote for Sweetwater Creek

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One of Georgia’s State Parks, Sweetwater Creek, is vying to be named “America’s Favorite Park” and win a $100,000 grant for outdoor recreation. The national contest is part of Coca-Cola’s America Is Your Park campaign which encourages families to get active outdoors. Anyone can vote online at LivePositively.com through July 15.

Last year, three of Georgia’s State Parks ranked high in the voting, but ultimately did not win the top grants. This year, state park officials hope that rallying all of Georgia behind a single park will create a better chance for winning. Just after Memorial Day, Sweetwater Creek State Park was already in the top 5 nationally, so it was chosen for statewide support.

“If everyone in Georgia votes for Sweetwater Creek and asks their friends and family to do the same, we have an excellent chance of winning,” said State Parks Director Becky Kelley. “The money could be used for hiking trails improvements, fishing docks, picnic areas or any number of projects that our visitors could enjoy for years to come.”

The Coca-Cola America Is Your Park campaign will award $100,000, $50,000 and $25,000 grants to the top three ranking parks. A fourth park will be chosen at random from the remaining top 25 to win a $15,000 grant. Georgians can vote as often as they wish on LivePositively.com until July 15, and checking in with Foursquare earns 100 votes.

“We are asking everyone to help spread the word about this contest that could benefit all Georgians,” said Kelley. “E-mail your friends, post links on Facebook, and send out Tweets. Better yet, use Foursquare because it earns 100 times more votes every time you check in. A little support from a lot of people can help Georgia win.”

While the contest is open to any national, state or local park, it was little Oak Park in North Dakota that captured the top prize in 2011. Community members, dignitaries and celebrities organized to support the park through social media, park events, word-of-mouth and voting drives. Oak Park used the money to help restore areas destroyed earlier in the year by a historic flood.

“Oak Park is the perfect example of what grassroots support can do,” said Kelley. “We’re hoping to do the same in Georgia this year.”

Sweetwater Creek State Park is located west of Atlanta, near Lithia Springs. It’s best known for hiking trails, textile mill ruins, fishing and picnicking. Maps and photos are available at GeorgiaStateParks.org/SweetwaterCreek.

The America Is Your Park initiative was developed by Coca-Cola in collaboration with the National Park Foundation, America’s State Parks, and the National Recreation and Park Association.
--Press Release

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

A Photo Tour of Residence 1820 at the St Regis Atlanta

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This is the second photo tour from my April visit to the St Regis Atlanta Residences.  Unit 1820 was designed by Atlanta interior designer Patricia McLean Interiors.

This 18th floor home has 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, a covered terrace, and is offered for sale for $3,200,000.  You can view the listing information on My Website.

I really loved the traditional feel of this home.  The wide plank hardwood floors give it a really warm feeling, and it also features my favorite kitchen and hallway of the units I saw.  Here are some pictures from unit 1820.





Carson MatthewsAssociate BrokerAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty678-595-9286www.TheBuckheadOffice.com

A Photo Tour of Residence 1510 at the St Regis Atlanta

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This is the third photo tour from my April visit to the St Regis Atlanta Residences.  Unit 1510 was designed by Atlanta interior designer Suzanne Kasler Interiors.

This 15th floor home has 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, a covered terrace, and is offered for sale for $3,740,000.  You can view the listing information on My Website.

This home has large open living areas, a beautiful dining room and a master closet that will knock your socks off.  Here are some photos from my tour.









Carson MatthewsAssociate BrokerAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty678-595-9286www.TheBuckheadOffice.com

A Photo Tour of Residence 1610 at the St Regis Atlanta

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This is the 4th and final photo tour from my April visit to the St Regis Atlanta Residences.  Unit 1610 was designed by Atlanta interior designer Stan Topol and Associates.

This 16th floor home has 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths, a covered terrace, and is offered for sale for $3,150,000.  You can view the listing information on My Website.

This home has a large open living room built for entertaining guests, a fabulous master suite and killer northwest views of Buckhead.  Here are some photos from my tour.







Carson MatthewsAssociate BrokerAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty678-595-9286www.TheBuckheadOffice.com

Northside Drive Construction in Buckhead to Last 2 Years

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Here is some information that was forwarded by the Buckhead Coalition regarding construction work that will begin in August of this year and may last as long as 2 years.  Construction crews will be replacing the water line underneath Northside Drive from I-75 North to Northside Parkway.  The section between I-75 and Collier Road is expected to take 1 year in itself, and the section north to Northside Parkway will take up to 2 years.

Here is the information taken from the Georgia Dept of Transportation website:

Northside Drive (City of Atlanta)

Georgia DOT and the City of Atlanta (COA) will begin waterline improvements and roadway safety improvements along Northside Drive/ SR 3/US 41, 2.4 miles from I-75 to just north of the intersection at Northside Parkway.

Overview

This project includes:

• Replacement of the existing waterline by COA
• Conversion of existing reversible lane from I-75 to Collier Road to a southbound through lane
• Addition of right and left turn lanes from Northside onto eastbound Collier Road
• North of Collier Road, converting existing reversible lane to a two-way left turn lane until it connects to the existing four-lane section
• Sidewalks will extend to Peachtree Creek
• Signal upgrades and ADA-compliant wheel chair ramps reconstructed at each intersection.

Timeline

Construction scheduled to begin July 2012 for 18- 24 months (spring/summer 2014). Lane closures weekdays and weekends, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm.Please avoid this section of Northside Drive during construction hours, as only one lane in each direction will be open.

Contact

For more information, please contact Rick Parham at rparham@dot.ga.gov or (404) 631-1829.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask Scottish Stout

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In March 2012, Innis & Gunn, a Scottish craft beer maker, announced the U.S. release of its limited edition Irish Whiskey Cask beer. Innis & Gunn Irish Whiskey Cask is the first brewed Scottish stout to join the Innis & Gunn portfolio, plus it's the world’s first beer to be aged in barrels that were previously used to mature triple‐distilled Irish Whiskey.

“We have never brewed a stout before, but when we learned that we could get hold of these Irish barrels we got very excited at the prospect of maturing a Scottish stout in former Irish whiskey barrels,” said Dougal Sharp, Innis & Gunn’s Master Brewer and Owner, in a press release. “Of course Ireland is famous for making stout, and Scotland famous for making whisky, so we were fascinated to see how this beer turned out. We have ended up with a celebratory beer that is memorable and robust in character, much like the peoples of Scotland and Ireland.”

The beer is made with chocolate and roast barley malts and fuggles hops. A total of 400 oak barrels that had previously held Irish Whiskey were filled with the beer; after aging for 60 days and completing the three-step maturation process, the beer was released.

The beer is complex and smooth. It offers intense aromas and flavors of coffee, dark chocolate and molasses with a hint of the Irish Whiskey lingering among the oaky vanilla notes.

Bottom Line: Thumbs up.

A 4-pack retails for approx. $13.

2007 Dr. K. Frank Dry Riesling

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If I won a contest where the prize was a free case of wine, and I had to choose between either Napa Valley, California or Finger Lakes, New York as the region from which this wine would be sourced, I'd choose the Finger Lakes.

Don't get me wrong, I appreciate California wines. I'm especially fond of Sonoma County wines such as those from Rodney Strong Vineyards. California wines are a staple at my house and I'd hate to give them up. But Finger Lakes wines never fail to surprise and impress dinner guests in ways that more commonly famed regions don't.

The first time I visited the Finger Lakes, I was on assignment for Wine Report magazine. So naturally I stopped at many wineries for tastings as part of the research. What most impressed me was the sheer number of different wines and varietals that a winery typically had in its portfolio. To taste 30 wines, all made by one winemaker at one winery, and discover that each one was not just good but great, well, it made an impression. In other wine regions around the world that I've visited, that just doesn't happen. And in the Finger Lakes that sort of thing didn't just happen once. It happened over and over again. The winemakers in that region are blessed with great weather for grape growing and wonderful terroir, but perhaps most importantly they work cooperatively. Finger Lakes winemakers believe that they will succeed or fail together since if a visitor tastes one yucky wine may not be inclined to sample another. It's a model of how winemakers should work together. And, yes, I'm looking at you, Georgia vintners.

I was so impressed by the wines of the Finger Lakes region, the people making them, and the sheer breathtaking beauty of the place that I returned with my husband as quickly as I possibly could arrange. That time, maybe not every wine I tasted was perfectly pleasing to my palate. But I was exploring on my own rather than following the advice of a host. And it didn't matter. I'd still have been happy to drink a majority of the wines that I sampled.

Taste enough Finger Lakes wines and you'll pick up a specific minerality that is particular to that terroir. It's an enjoyable taste that gives the wines a pleasant backbone.

Best news of all, Finger Lakes wines are much more affordably priced than California wines--so no need to wait to win a contest. The only trouble is that not many wines from that region are available in Georgia. Then again, that's not much of a problem. I'm happy to visit the Finger Lakes any chance I get.


The 2007 Dry Riesling from Dr. Konstantin Frank was rated 93 points by Wine & Spirits magazine. Light and refreshing, it offers up notes of green apple, lime, honeydew and honey with, of course, that regional minerality. Thumbs up.

Sweet House BBQ

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Located in the parking lot at Jaemor Farms in Alto, Georgia, is this little BBQ shack.

In Georgia, barbecue meat is typically smoked over a proprietary combo of hickory and other woods then slathered with tangy tomato-based sauce. And pork is king, whether pulled, chopped or sliced, served on its own or atop a bun. The food served at this humble joint does not disappoint.

At Sweet House BBQ, pork sandwiches are $4.99, pork plates $8.99. (Chicken, ribs and sausage also available for slightly more.)

Bottom Line: Good food at a good deal.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

Park Tavern's 9th Annual Oyster Crawfish Festival

To contact us Click HERE
                                                                 -Photo Courtesy Park Tavern

Park Tavern will celebrate music and food during its 9th annual Oyster Crawfish Festival on Saturday, March 31.

To feed the anticipated crowd of 5,000, the menu boasts 10,000 pounds of crawfish, oysters and shrimp along with a 16-foot Bloody Mary bar.

Crawfish is flown in fresh from Louisiana. Fresh, regional oysters will be served raw, fried, and steamed.

Cowboy Mouth, a New Orleans band known for its high energy shows, is scheduled to perform. The Soulphonics and Ruby Velle, The Squirrelheads, and Heavy Mojo will also take the stage.

The festival begins at 2 p.m. for ages 21 and up. Ticket prices start at $15. For more information, call 404-477-0008 or visit www.parktavern.com.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

A Photo Tour of Residence 2010 at the St Regis Atlanta

To contact us Click HERE
This is the first photo tour from my April visit to the St Regis Atlanta Residences.  Unit 2010 was designed by Atlanta interior designer Stan Topol and Associates.

This 20th floor home has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, a covered terrace with stunning Buckhead views, and is offered for sale for $3,830,000.  You can view the listing information on My Website.

This home has a sleek look and feel to it, very comfortable and relaxing.  The master bedroom and spa-bath are to die for.  What I love about the St Regis is when you are inside, you have no idea that you are in a building as it truly feels like a single family home.









Carson MatthewsAssociate BrokerAtlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty678-595-9286www.TheBuckheadOffice.com 

Park Tavern's 9th Annual Oyster Crawfish Festival

To contact us Click HERE
                                                                 -Photo Courtesy Park Tavern

Park Tavern will celebrate music and food during its 9th annual Oyster Crawfish Festival on Saturday, March 31.

To feed the anticipated crowd of 5,000, the menu boasts 10,000 pounds of crawfish, oysters and shrimp along with a 16-foot Bloody Mary bar.

Crawfish is flown in fresh from Louisiana. Fresh, regional oysters will be served raw, fried, and steamed.

Cowboy Mouth, a New Orleans band known for its high energy shows, is scheduled to perform. The Soulphonics and Ruby Velle, The Squirrelheads, and Heavy Mojo will also take the stage.

The festival begins at 2 p.m. for ages 21 and up. Ticket prices start at $15. For more information, call 404-477-0008 or visit www.parktavern.com.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse

To contact us Click HERE

On a recent Sunday evening, Dean and I discovered what might be the best deal in town.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, located at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, offers "Unlimited Pizza & Pasta" every Sunday evening. For just $20 per adult ($10 per child) get as much pizza and pasta as you can eat.

Served family-style off a limited menu that changes each week, the multi-course meal includes a starter--which on this particular evening was Baby Arugula, Shaved Parmigiano, Lemon Olive Oil (typically $8 on the lunch menu). The featured pasta was angel hair with pomodoro sauce and fresh basil (typically $15 on the lunch menu). Two pizzas were offered: Margherita Pizza with sliced tomato, fresh basil and bufala mozzarella (typically $11); and traditional pepperoni (not on menu).

The best news: Not everyone at the table has to order the special; other guests can order a la carte. Even better: You can pack up leftovers to-go, Davio's provides convenient microwave-safe containers. Thus for $20 it's possible to enjoy dinner plus lunch for the next day.

Bottom Line: Great food, super deal. All served in attentive, swanky style.

Yard House

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Now open in Atlantic Station, Yard House is really all about the beer. At the center of the dining room sits an island bar with 130 taps, which fill glasses via tubes that weave across the ceiling from the glass-enclosed keg room to the bar. The keg room houses up to 500 kegs and about 7,000 gallons of beer. The beer menu is organized by style -- more than a dozen different beer styles are offered -- and features local breweries, leading brands, craft brews and seasonal beers from around the world.

The food menu offers 100 items, mostly standard pub fare like burgers, tacos and pizza. Skip the salad, go for pizza. It's a better beer pairing anyway.

Bottom Line: Great beer selection. Loud sports bar ambiance.

Georgia Brewpub Bill

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Think Georgia's legislation related to alcohol is too conservative? Agreed. But the situation continues to improve, incrementally.

On May 2, 2012, Governor Nathan Deal signed HB 472 into law. The "Brewpub Bill" benefits independent brewpubs as the new law increases the number of barrels a brewpub can produce from 5,000 to 10,000 and allows brewpubs to resell their product to wholesale distributors.

This new law expands the product brewed in Georgia, opens up new channels for brewpubs and keeps tax revenue in Georgia.

So, cheers!

A Discussion on Lot Prices in Buckhead

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This past week "Anonymous" left a comment on my blog regarding lot prices.  Here is what he/she said "...Really enjoy your updates on local real estate. Would enjoy a post on where you think lot prices are headed in general. It seems the empty lots from the last cycle have mostly been bought and its just a matter of time before ranches start getting purchased for tear down again."


My initial response is: Yes, building lots are getting scooped up both by builders and consumers; but so are ranches on great pieces of property.  Builders have a new formula and this time they are watching their backs.  No one wants to get caught again owning lots of inventory at unreasonable prices.  This time builders are buying up cleared lots, unfinished homes with potential, and homes that can be renovated and turned into something special.  You can see all of these trends throughout Buckhead on streets like Peachtree Battle Avenue, West Wesley Road and East Beechwood Drive.  


It's not as easy to put together a report on these lot sales due to the way they are listed in FMLS.  From a broad standpoint, here is what it looks like.  There is a big discrepancy between where lots have been selling in the past 6 months and where the actively listed inventory is priced.  On average, the lots that have sold were 1 acre and closed at $369,000.  Now go look at what is listed in Buckhead and the numbers are way off.  The average size of building lots actively listed are 1.6 acres with an average list price of $1,055,926.  Actively listed lot prices range from $175,000 to $4,950,000, and even one at $14,900,000.  For reports on this blog I use the map of Buckhead as defined by the Buckhead Alliance, so the property overlooking the Chattahoochee River on West Wesley wasn't included.  


Looking at the active inventory, you see a lot of building lots/teardowns listed in the $6-700,000 range.  Recent experience tells me these properties will sell closer to the $550,000 range, maybe a little higher or lower.  At this point you need to look at the borrowing power of the builder/investor and the potential value of a new home on that property.  Unless the new home built will be over $2,000,000 you aren't going to see the price climb too much higher than that.  


I'd love to hear what anyone else has to say about this.  Feel free to join the conversation by commenting below.  Click here to see available building lots for sale in Buckhead


Carson Matthews
Associate Broker
Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby's International Realty
678-595-9286